On February 28, 2026, the Chicago Philharmonic and Sleeping At Last made our debut at the sold-out Dr. Phillips Center’s Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, Florida.
Led by Maestro Thiago Tiberio, the orchestra brought new dimension to Sleeping At Last’s music through bespoke symphonic arrangements of Saturn, Two, Mother, Turning Page, and more. The hall was full, yet the atmosphere felt intimate. Guests traveled from 32 states, and many described the evening as a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience.
“Thank you for such a wonderful, moving performance. We loved seeing you in Chicago in November and had to come see you again in Orlando! So good for the soul!”
“It was an absolutely incredible night, I was in tears the whole time it was so stunning!!!”
How An Evening with Sleeping At Last Came to Life
The spark for this collaboration began in 2023, when Ryan O’Neal attended a Chicago Philharmonic concert featuring violinist and songwriter Kishi Bashi. Inspired to return to live performance for the first time in years, O’Neal began conversations with Executive Director Terell Johnson and Artistic Director Scott Speck. Together, they shaped a vision for a fully orchestrated Sleeping At Last concert experience.
Key in bringing that vision to life was Lead Arranger Michael Moricz:
“Ryan’s music is already so vividly emotional that from the beginning we all felt the enormous potential of how adding a symphonic orchestra could heighten and expand all the deep and human qualities in Ryan’s Songs. I looked at each song as though it were an individual painting or short film, each filled with rich imagery and characterization,” Moricz shared.
The project debuted in October 2024 with two sold‑out performances at Chicago’s Harris Theater for Music and Dance, followed by a triumphant night at Carnegie Hall. In 2025, the collaboration expanded with Home for the Holidays at The Auditorium. Each milestone paved the way for this Orlando performance, a true “bucket list” hall for O’Neal.
Set List Highlights
Anticipation built long before the first note. The set list, shared in advance and through the digital program book, featured songs from Sleeping At Last’s Space, Senses, Enneagram, and Love collections, and other “maps” of human experience.
For many, the emotional peak of the evening was Saturn, performed live with Concertmaster Robert Hanford and Principal Cellist Mara McClain, a moment that drew rapt attention and quiet awe across the hall.
A Night to Remember
The impact of Chicago Philharmonic’s Dr. Phillips Center debut with Sleeping At Last resonated deeply with fans, many of whom traveled from across the country and beyond to experience this rare performance. For many, it was more than just a concert; it was a profoundly personal experience, captured through heartfelt testimonials shared afterward.
Behind the Scenes in Orlando
The Chicago Philharmonic team spent the weekend together in Orlando, balancing rehearsals with time to recharge and connect. Family visits to Magic Kingdom Park, evenings by the water, and a few well‑earned treats from The Salty Donut added to the sense of celebration.
Portillo’s helped bring a taste of Chicago to Florida by generously providing lunch for the orchestra during rehearsal. The Waterford Lakes team’s warm hospitality made the gesture especially meaningful.
Evermore Orlando Resort: A Home Base for Creativity and Connection
Evermore Orlando Resort became an important part of the weekend. Our full team stayed together in a spacious home that offered room to gather, rest, and prepare for the performance. Kayaking on the lagoon, relaxing in the heated pool, and sharing easy, ready‑to‑heat meals created a natural rhythm around rehearsals. The Evermore team ensured everything was ready upon arrival, making the stay seamless and restorative. More than one person asked, “Do we really have to leave?” – a testament to how welcome and supported we felt throughout our time there.
Our sincere thanks to Evermore Orlando Resort for their hospitality and partnership. Evermore Orlando Resort was a Preferred Partner for An Evening with Sleeping at Last.
